Good morning, Fort Myers.

Today, Fort Myers Beach celebrates its 30th anniversary with a community walk beginning at 2 p.m. + a ceremony at 3 p.m., while the Shrimp Festival kicks off tomorrow with a 5K run and parade that will close the Matanzas Pass Bridge from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Fort Myers couple Alexander Irigoyen and his wife remain stranded in Dubai as regional military action causes travel delays - they are waiting for a DHS-arranged flight from Abu Dhabi to Dallas while alerts and restricted airspace delay their safe journey home.

Anglers can join the 29th annual LCEC Fishing Tournament, a virtual catch-and-release event benefiting United Way.

A mandatory captains' meeting is on Friday, April 17 and the competition is on Saturday, April 18 at D&D Matlacha Bait and Tackle (register via the FishDonkey app) with cash prizes and silent auction.

Dave's Hot Chicken opened its first Southwest Florida location in Fort Myers on Dani Drive on March 7, drawing long lines as fans waited for Nashville-style hot chicken and sliders; owner Peter Ungerleider said the shop will serve food from mild to fiery Reaper+ with sides like mac and cheese.

Local restaurants that have served the community for many years continue to charm diners in Southwest Florida.

The feature covers the Bubble Room in Captiva, Doc’s Beach House in Bonita Springs, Farmers Market and historic Veranda in Fort Myers, plus Mucky Duck (reopening soon) after hurricane damage.

Rock guitarist James Wilder (52) who played with Cinder, Soapy Tuna and Sideshow Bob’s Electric Circus died on March 5 after a two-year battle with stage-4 colon cancer.

Local fans and musicians remember his talent and kind spirit.

Gas prices in the Fort Myers area have jumped 47 cents since Monday, with a local average of $3.428 on March 6, making it one of the highest in Florida.

Drivers can use GasBuddy + AAA to find cheaper options nearby.

Wildlife officials report that 57 manatees died in February from collisions and cold stress.

They urge boaters to slow down in shallow waters near Caloosahatchee & Matlacha to protect the animals and help seagrass beds recover.

Lee Circuit Judge John Carlin, who served Southwest Florida for over 35 years, died just after 5 p.m. on March 5.

Colleagues praised his compassion (reflected in his judicial commitment) and noted his lasting impact on the community.

Fort Myers couple Lisa and Darryl Lee remain stranded in Qatar after their connecting flight was disrupted amid Iran-US tensions.

They have been staying in a Doha hotel with police escorts and have contacted the U.S. State Department for guidance on a safe return home.

Dinner on the Diamond

6 p.m. — JetBlue Park — Supports local children’s services — Enjoy dinner at the field while benefiting Golisano Children's Hospital.

Michael D’Amore Live Performance

6 PM — Mango Rita’s Rhythm House — Call for reservation — Enjoy an evening of Doo Wop, Pop, and Soul with fantastic food on a full menu.

Boston Red Sox vs. Minnesota Twins

1:05-2:05 p.m. — Hammond Stadium — Cost Info Requisite — Catch these two MLB teams face off in an exciting spring training game.

Little River Band Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Caloosa Sound Amphitheater — Ticket purchase required — Experience the iconic harmonies of the Little River Band with classics like 'Reminiscing' under the stars.

Annie Houston Screw Cancer HoopFest

8 AM – 4 PM — Wa-Ke Hatchee Park — Entry fees support cancer research — Celebrate basketball while honoring the legacy of Mrs. Annie Lois Houston.

John Legend Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of EGOT-winning artist John Legend in an unforgettable concert.

Willy Chirino Concert

9 p.m. - 12 a.m. — Caloosa Sound Convention Center — Tickets available — Enjoy the vibrant Cuban rhythms of Willy Chirino live in concert.

Fort Myers Food Pantry

3-6 p.m. — 507 Center Rd — Free entry — Receive free bread, produce, dried goods, and hygiene products for those in need.

The Collectible Buyer Road Tour

9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops — Free admission — Bring your collectibles for cash offers and free appraisals from seasoned experts.

The Odd Couple

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Fort Myers Theatre — Check event page for cost — Witness the hilarity that unfolds when a messy slob and a fastidious neat freak become unlikely roommates.